By Peter Omopo
Tension gripped residents and commuters in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday evening after a fuel-laden tanker overturned along the heavily damaged Asaba-Onitsha expressway, spilling fuel and sparking fears of a possible explosion.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. at the Ezenei axis of the expressway, a section long plagued by poor road conditions. Witnesses said panic spread quickly as fuel flowed into nearby drains, particularly the Ajaji (Bonsac) gutter, prompting people in the area to flee for safety.
Security and emergency personnel, including officers from the Nigeria Police and Delta State Fire Service, quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the road and remaining overnight to prevent any attempts to scoop fuel. Water tankers were also deployed as a precautionary measure against fire outbreaks.
When PUNCH visited the area on Wednesday morning, the overturned tanker was still on the road, contributing to heavy traffic congestion. Despite efforts to neutralize the fuel with chemical agents and water, apprehension remained high among residents and passersby.
The Asaba-Onitsha expressway has become notorious for its deteriorating condition, with repeated calls from commuters for urgent government intervention following numerous accidents.
